Purcell Pianist Performs at International Piano Festival
Congratulations to Luca (Year 11, piano) who was recently invited to perform at the Santa Cecilia International Piano Festival in Porto, Portugal, representing the next generation of international pianists.
The concert took place in a museum setting, where Luca performed a demanding programme including Rachmaninov’s Études, Ravel’s Toccat and a Chopin Nocturne on a historical piano. His performance was warmly received by the audience, who praised his technique, tonal control and musical interpretation.
Following the recital, several audience members expressed how deeply his playing had moved them, and Luca was invited to return for a future performance. It was a memorable and inspiring experience for him.
Purcell Pianist Performs for the Mayor of Barnet
Hugely well done to Deedeh (Year 7, piano) who recently performed at a special celebration for Chinese New Year held on Sunday 22 February in the presence of the Mayor of Barnet and local councillors.
Performing alongside a friend, Deedeh contributed to the festive event with a beautifully presented performance that was warmly received by the audience. The celebration brought members of the community together to mark the occasion with music and cultural performances.
It was a wonderful opportunity for Deedeh to share her music in such a distinguished setting.
Congratulations to Beulah (Year 12, voice) for taking part in an exciting community initiative last weekend as part of the development of the Camden Youth Voice Panel through Camden Music.
Working with another young musician, Beulah helped research and prepare a presentation exploring the history of music in Camden. The presentation was delivered at Camden School for Girls on Saturday 1st March, where the pair introduced the project and led a workshop designed to encourage other young musicians to join the panel.
The initiative aims to give young people a stronger voice in shaping musical opportunities within the borough, and it is wonderful to see Beulah playing an active role in this important project.
Purcell Clarinettist Performs with the London Philharmonic Orchestra’s Junior Artists
During half-term, Matilda (Year 12, clarinet) performed at the Royal Festival Hall as one of eight musicians selected for the London Philharmonic Orchestra Junior Artists programme.
The concert brought the young artists together with members of the orchestra and participants from Futures First for a special performance. As part of the programme, Matilda rehearsed alongside her mentor, Tom Watmough, the LPO’s Principal E-flat Clarinet and a Purcell alumnus.
The Junior Artists also had the memorable opportunity to meet the celebrated violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter before her concert with the orchestra. It was an exciting and inspiring musical highlight of the half-term break.
Voice Masterclasses
In the two weeks leading up to half term, the singers had the luxury of – not one – but two masterclasses.
The first was given by our now very regular visitor, Richard Jackson. Richard’s illustrious career in opera, oratorio, concert work and now as a teacher at several London conservatoires means he has a wealth of experience to impart in his classes. Although his aim of encouraging the singers to delve ever deeper into the context and lyrics of their songs is serious, he manages to do this with such energy (often physical!) and enthusiasm that the whole experience is highly entertaining and enjoyable for all concerned. Many thanks are due to Richard, yet again.
The second masterclass was delivered by Sarah Tynan, an exceptional Soprano whose skills are regularly on display with English National Opera in roles ranging from the eponymous Lucia in Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor through to the glamorous Hanna Glawari, the central character in Frank Lehár’s operetta, The Merry Widow. Sarah is also a member of the vocal faculty at the Royal College of Music. In her classes, she focuses on helping the singers to find the safest and most technically assured way to use their voices and how to improve their presentation skills. Again, many thanks to Sarah for her hard work and encouragement.
All the first study singers were involved in these classes: Sophia, Kiah, Sonya, Craig, Daniel, Jakov, Alina and Mac. Daniel Swain, one of our school accompanists, played for the majority of the singers but there were also welcome contributions from student accompanists, Arthur and Matias.
International Young Musicians Academy Summer Course at The Purcell School
We are thrilled to share that The Purcell School will host the International Young Musicians Academy (IYMA) Summer Music Course from 13–17 July 2026, welcoming talented young musicians for an intensive week of chamber music and performance.
Led by an outstanding international faculty, the course will feature coaching from distinguished artists including Jeremy Young, Kathryn Stott, Nicola Eimer and Richard Uttley (piano), Hannah Roberts, Jospehine Knight and Leandro Silvera (cello), and Alex Redington, Nathaniel Vallois and Zhi Jong Wang (violin).
Participants will take part in chamber music rehearsals, masterclasses and performances, working closely with leading performers and teachers from major conservatoires and music institutions. The programme offers a unique opportunity for young musicians to develop their artistry in the inspiring musical environment of The Purcell School.
Applications are managed by the International Young Musicians Academy.
For further details and to apply, please visit the IYMA website.
Purcell Alumni Reunite on International Tour
A number of Purcell alumni recently reunited while on tour across Germany and Austria with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, sending warm greetings and encouragement to current students.
The group includes Helen Simons (Class of 1992, bassoon), Kate Birchall (Class of 1992, violin), Harry Kerr (Class of 1994, violin), Sioni Williams (Class of 1992, violin), Thomas Watmough (Class of 1989, clarinet), Hannah Grayson (Class of 2006, flute) and Paula Clifton-Everest (Class of 1992, violin).
During the tour, the alumni reflected fondly on their time at the School and shared a message for current students: “That despite a tumultuous and uncertain world out there, to keep practising, keep focused, and persevere in your art, because the proof-of-work you put in to your skill now will reap great rewards in times yet to pass. The work that you do now echoes into the future and, in an increasingly digital world, your live-performance ability will become a very valuable asset. So keep practising, stay cheerful and don’t let your phone distract you”.
It was wonderful to see this group reconnecting and sharing their encouragement from the international stage.
Alumni News: BingBing Li
We were delighted to hear from BingBing Li (alumna, piano) with news of several recent international achievements.
BingBing has recently completed a three-week concert and masterclass tour across leading conservatoires in South East Asia, including performances and teaching engagements in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and China. Alongside this, a live recording of her performances has been released on vinyl by the China Record label. The album, Fire and Soul, has received high acclaim.
BingBing is currently an Associate of the Royal Academy of Music and Professor of Piano at the Royal Northern College of Music. We are always delighted to hear from alumni and to celebrate their continued success.
Concerts Review
Middle School Concertos Orchestra Concert
A wonderful concert on Wednesday evening showcased concerto soloists and composers alike, accompanied by the Purcell School Chamber Orchestra. Mozart and Beethoven piano concerto movements and a Haydn Concert Aria were performed by soloists Michael, Ryosuke, Timofii and Sonya respectively. New works by Tate and Ambrus were premiered by the chamber orchestra. Well done to all the performers.
Lunchtime Concert at St Mary le Strand
On 4 March, three Year 12 pianists presented a one-hour recital at St Mary le Strand in the heart of London. Their performances of works by Clementi, Chopin, Haydn and Schumann were of an exceptionally high standard. Audience members – including many tourists who stopped by after hearing the music from outside – remarked on the quality of the music-making.
It was a chilly but beautiful spring day, and the church’s two magnolia trees attracted many visitors. A camera crew from ITV was also present in the area, though they did not come inside to film the concert.
Many congratulations to Zev, Victoria and Pijus for giving such a masterful recital.
Lunchtime Concerts
Since half term we have had many students involved in the lunchtime concerts.
Last week Sonya, Harry and Zoe performed Britten, Denley and Chopin, followed by an exquisite Leo Brouwer guitar quartet and Noda, Bach and Decruck performed by Rebecca, Kate, Kate Ezio and April respectively on Tuesday.
Pop took over the JCS with Lia, Clara, Woody, Rebecca and Mahla getting some of the students up and dancing to their upbeat set. Alexa, Maya and Carla rounded the week off with Saint-Saens, Godowsky and Chausson.
This week Asher and Matias performing Sleeping Beauty for 4 hands on the piano followed a poignant solo viola Max Reger piece performed by Harry. On Tuesday we were treated to a delightful oboe concert, performers Natalie, Emily, Isaac and Summer-Sky.
In the CP Hall on Wednesday a variety of mostly contemporary chamber and solo pieces including student compositions were performed by Rebecca, Kate, Kate, Ezio, Marija, Tristan, Matias, Elizabeth, Tristan, Maddie, Harry, Yoko, Luca, Natalie, Yulin, Matias and Kaelan, and to complete these first two weeks the clarinet quartet comprising of Ayman, Samsara, April and Yulin performed Wolfgram Klezmer Suite followed by Stephanie performing Chopin. Well done to everyone.
Purcell Happy Hour Jazz Sessions at Monty’s
We are delighted to announce a new collaboration between The Purcell School and Monty’s Bar & Kitchen at The Metropolitan Club in Bushey, where our Jazz students will be performing a series of live sessions for the local community.
The Purcell Happy Hour Sessions will feature young musicians from our Jazz and Commercial & Popular Music departments, bringing live jazz to Monty’s relaxed restaurant setting.
The first session takes place on Tuesday 10 March, from 5.30pm-6.30pm, and will run during Monty’s Happy Hour (5.00-6.30pm).
These performances offer a wonderful opportunity for our students to gain professional performance experience in a public venue, while giving audiences the chance to enjoy outstanding live music right on the school’s doorstep.
Local residents, parents, friends and supporters are warmly invited to come along, enjoy the atmosphere, and support our talented young performers.
Forthcoming Events
In addition to those highlighted events below, please visit our online Concerts and Events Guide here.
12 March – A History of The Purcell School Composition Department, Wigmore Hall
Time: 1.00pm
Venue: 36 Wigmore Street, London, W1U 2BP
Tickets: Book online via Wigmore Hall here or contact the Box Office on 020 7935 2141
The Purcell School Chamber Soloists celebrate the extraordinary legacy of The Purcell School’s Composition Department in an engaging programme of short works spanning multiple generations of composers associated with the school.
This special concert brings together music by some of the department’s most distinguished alumni and affiliated composers, including Oliver Knussen, Joseph Phibbs, Gareth Moorcraft, Kristina Arakelyan, Yiruma, Alexis Ffrench, Edward Longstaff and Alison Cox. Alongside these works will be new compositions by current Purcell School students Yoko Afi, Gerard Coutain and Kaelan Bryden-Johnson, selected through a competitive process adjudicated by the composer Mark Bowden.
The concert also marks the forthcoming retirement of Alison Cox, Head of Composition at The Purcell School, who steps down at the end of this academic year after 38 years of exceptional service. Alison has shaped and inspired generations of composers, leaving a profound and lasting legacy.
Alison Cox says: “I’m absolutely delighted that The Purcell School’s Composition Department is to be celebrated at Wigmore Hall. This concert presents composers from many generations in the school’s history, including those who were there even before I created the department in September 1994 . . . and I would love to see you all again at this concert.”
18 March – Session Bands Concert
Time: 7.00pm
Venue: CP Hall, The Purcell School
Tickets: Free admission. No booking required.
Purcell Pop and Commercial Department presents Session Bands and Songwriters Concert.
20 March – South Hill Park Concert
Time: 7.30pm
Venue: South Hill Park Arts Centre, Ringmead, Hanworth
Tickets: Tickets available from South Hill Arts Centre website
Purcell’s Woodwind and Piano students perform at South Hill Park Arts Centre as part of the Conservatoire International Concert Series.
Programme to include: Lalliet Terzetto Op. 22 for Oboe, Bassoon and Piano 2 first and second movements Jean-Marie Leclair Sonata in C arranged for two saxophones Fernande Decruck Sonata in C# Debussy Syrinx for solo saxophone Dutilleux Sarabande et Cortège for bassoon and piano Britten Metamorphoses one to four for solo oboe Poulenc Trio for bassoon, oboe and piano Rio Noda Improvisation for solo alto sax Jean-Baptiste Singelée Duo Concertant Op.55 in Eb Major for two saxophones and piano, first movement
Visit the South Hill Arts Centre website for further info and to purchase tickets.
22 March – Senior Concerto Competition Grand Final
Time: 4.00pm
Venue: CP Hall, The Purcell School
Tickets: Free admission
The Senior Concerto Competition Grand Final is one of the most prestigious events at The Purcell School. Our exceptional young musicians, selected as finalists through a competitive process, perform complete concertos for a chance to solo with the school’s symphony orchestra in the following academic year.
The Grand Final is open to public. Entry is free, but please email concerts@purcell-school.org to reserve your place.
24 March – The Music of Ronnie Scott & Tubby Hayes, Watford Palace Theatre
Time: 7.30pm
Venue: Watford Palace Theatre, 20 Clarendon Rd, Watford WD17 1JZ
Tickets: Tickets are available from the Watford Palace Theatre box office here
The Music of Ronnie Scott & Tubby Hayes
Celebrated by The Purcell School with Special Guest Simon Spillett
Also featuring Mark Nightingale
Two giants of British jazz take centre stage in this vibrant celebration of the music of Ronnie Scott and Tubby Hayes — pioneers whose partnership and friendship helped define the sound of British jazz in the 1950s and 60s.
This special concert sees acclaimed saxophonist Simon Spillett join forces with The Purcell School Jazz Ensembles and Big Band, alongside guest trombonist Mark Nightingale, for an exhilarating programme drawn from the Tubby Hayes Big Band library and the iconic Jazz Couriers repertoire. Together, they bring this thrilling music to life with energy, authenticity and fresh perspective.
For over 15 years, The Purcell School Jazz Department has been at the forefront of training young jazz musicians for professional careers. Its distinguished alumni include Grammy Award winner Jacob Collier, BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year Alexandra Ridout, Jas Kayser, Kit Downes and Seth Tackaberry. Under the leadership of saxophonist and Head of Jazz Simon Allen, and a faculty of leading performers and educators, students develop exceptional instrumental and compositional skills, gaining places at major conservatoires before going on to successful performing careers.
Special guest Simon Spillett is one of the UK’s most respected jazz saxophonists, celebrated for his commanding tenor sound and deep-rooted connection to the British jazz tradition. An award-winning musician and a fiercely swinging improviser, he has worked with an array of leading figures from the British jazz scene, including Sir John Dankworth, Stan Tracey, Alan Barnes, Bobby Wellins and the Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra, and has performed at major venues and festivals across the UK and internationally. Alongside his performing career, Simon is an acclaimed jazz writer, historian and broadcaster, the author of the definitive biography of Tubby Hayes and a presenter on BBC Radio 3.
Mark Nightingale is an internationally acclaimed jazz trombonist, highly respected writer and one of the UK’s most in-demand studio musicians. He has performed with an extraordinary range of jazz and popular music artists, including John Dankworth and Cleo Laine, Georgie Fame, Ray Brown, Clark Terry, Charlie Watts, Steely Dan, Sting, Tom Jones and Frank Sinatra. A multiple winner of the British Jazz Awards, Mark is also widely recognised for his educational work, producing a substantial catalogue of study material and concert repertoire for musicians of all standards.
An evening of superb music-making, rich jazz heritage and outstanding young talent — not to be missed.
Tickets are available from the Watford Palace Theatre box office here.
25 March – Bartók and Stravinsky at Folkestone New Music
Time: 6.30pm
Venue: The Green Room, The Grand, The Leas, Folkestone, CT20 2LR
Tickets: Tickets are available here
Students of The Purcell School join Director of Music Paul Hoskins for a programme of 20th-century orchestral masterpieces at this year’s Folkestone New Music Festival.
Bartók’s Divertimento Stravinsky’s Dumbarton Oaks
The programme will also include a new work by a current Purcell student, showcasing the next generation of musical talent.
Join us at this very special concert. Tickets are available to purchase via this link
A number of Purcell alumni recently reunited while on tour across Germany and Austria with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, sending warm greetings and encouragement to current students.
